NAME: Colton Christensen

AGE: 22

HOMETOWN: Kalispell

EDUCATION: Homeschooled with 14 other students, currently attending second year at Flathead Valley Community College for Theater and Performing Arts, with plans to transfer to University of Montana after completing prerequisite classes.

INSTRUMENT(S): Piano, guitar, bass guitar

CONTACT: Facebook- Colton Christensen

Christensen says he uses his songs as a type of journal, recording any thought or idea he’s had, be it a happy one or something deeper.

“For me, my songs are my therapist,” he said. “Whether I just see some funny meme on Facebook, or have an interaction with another person, it’s really just all about experiences I’ve had and lessons I’ve learned.”

From women he’s known to stories that have happened in his past, Christensen draws on his own personal experiences to create an individual sound.

Throughout his life, Christensen has been influenced by a variety of artists and styles, including the White Stripes, Enya, Weezer, and alt-J. His music style draws on alternative and bluegrass styles to create something completely new.

In addition to his musical training, Christensen was also trained in theatrics. He spent several years in different theater productions and two summers as a performer in the Bigfork Summer Playhouse. He plays on this theatrical background to spice up his songs and live performances.

“I’m really trying to create a new genre of ‘emotional entertainment,’” he said. “I want to get into the headspace of being sad or hilarious, and really dig into the meaning of the song.”

Christensen said he strives to perform theatrically while singing as a way to draw the audience in and make them take in the complete meaning of the song.

The Singer Songwriter Showdown will be Christensen’s first competition of this nature, and he hopes to build “face recognition” through the exposure.

He said the prizes also appeal to him, because he needs a place to record his original music. This year, he plans to record an album of his top 12 songs.

Christensen is also planning to open a singing telegram business this year, where customers can hire him to sing special songs for coworkers, family or loved ones. He’ll travel to offices, public places or homes to deliver messages in the form of acoustic songs.

—BL